England star Joe Marler the victim of ‘media witchhunt’, claims players’ body

England’s Rugby Players’ Association insists the prolonged disciplinary process that hangs over England prop Joe Marler “defies belief”.

In a strongly worded statement released yesterday evening, players’ union chief executive Damian Hopley offered a robust defence of Marler and claimed he is the victim of an “excruciating media witchhunt”.

Marler faces a misconduct hearing on April 5 after verbally abusing Wales front row Samson Lee with the slur “gypsy boy” in the 25-21 victory at Twickenham earlier this month.